Two ATMs targeted for thefts in past two days

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two commercial break-ins involving ATMs in the last two days. A release said the owner of the Conoco gas station at 10672 E. 16th Ave. in Spokane Valley reported two people broke in around 3 a.m. Thursday. The owner found a shattered window and a rope tied around an ATM machine. Surveillance video showed two people arrived in a Chrysler Minivan and backed up to the window. One person broke out a window with a baseball bat and the other tied the rope to the van. “Both suspects got back into the vehicle and drove away in an attempt to pull the ATM out of the business,” the release said. When they failed, they drove away. About 27 hours later, around 5:50 a.m. today, a deputy responded to another burglary report at the Broadway Mini Mart at 10304 E. Broadway Ave. The front window was shattered and the ATM was missing. According to the release, investigators believe the same two people are involved with both incidents. One of the suspects is described as male, wearing a hooded coat, mask and jeans. The other suspect was wearing a hooded coat and mask as well. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest of those involved. People with information are asked to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at (800) 222-TIPS.